Latest

Genetics

·June 7, 2013·4 min read

Over Produced Autism Gene Alters Synapses, Affects Learning and Behavior in Mice

When manipulated in two lines of transgenic mice, neuroligin 1, a gene linked to ASD, produced mature adults with irreversible defects which affected either learning or social interaction. The findings could have implications for potential gene therapies for autism.

The image shows human neuronal stem cells. The caption best describes the image.

Electrophysiology Featured Genetics

·June 6, 2013·4 min read

Alzheimer’s, Schizophrenia & Autism Can Be Studied with Brain Cells Reprogrammed from Skin Cells

A new method for obtaining mature neuronal cells from reprogrammed skin cells allows researchers to safely and effectively study diseases such as schizophrenia and autism.

The image shows the circulatory system from the heart.

Featured Neurology

·June 4, 2013·3 min read

Heart Health Matters to Your Brain

New research finds an increased risk for cognitive decline in patients with cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

The image shows the engineered DNA mentioned in the article. The caption best describes the image.

Featured Genetics Open Neuroscience Articles

·June 4, 2013·3 min read

Genetic Editing for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Researchers have been able to repair a defect responsible for Duchenne muscular dystrophy by using a novel genetic editing technique.

The image shows an illustration of a neuron. The caption best describes the image.

Featured Neuroscience

·June 4, 2013·3 min read

Neuronal Regeneration and the Two Part Design of Nerves

Manipulating the genes of the Drosophila fruit fly to promote the growth of one part of a neuron simultaneously stunts the growth of the other part, new research suggests.

The image shows a PET scan of a brain affected by parkinson's disease.

Featured Genetics

·May 31, 2013·2 min read

How Disease Mutations Affect the Parkin Protein

Researchers have determined the crystal structure of Parkin, a protein found in cells which, when matured, can lead to a hereditary form of Parkinson's disease.

The image shows MRI brain scans of adults exposed to lead as children.

Featured Psychology

·May 31, 2013·4 min read

Lead Acts to Trigger Schizophrenia

Genetically engineered mice with a human gene for schizophrenia and who were exposed to lead early in life, exhibited behavioral and structural changes in the brain consistent with schizophrenia. Researchers believe their findings show a synergistic effect between lead exposure and the schizophrenia gene.

the image shows the difference between Hematopoietic and Stromal Stem Cells.

Featured Genetics

·May 28, 2013·3 min read

Engineered Stem Cell Advance Points Toward Treatment for ALS

Transplanting human stem cells into rat models with ALS improved survival and muscle function, according to a new study.

The image is an MRI showing the neuronal repair. The caption best describes the image.

Featured Genetics Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 28, 2013·4 min read

Stem Cell Injections Improve Spinal Injuries in Rats

A new study reports a single injection of human neural stem cells produce neuronal regeneration and improved the function and mobility of rats impaired by acute spinal cord injuries.

The image is a diagram of the nervous system. The Peripheral nervous system is outlined in blue.

Featured Neurology Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 28, 2013·2 min read

Researchers Uncover Key to Development of Peripheral Nervous System

Researchers uncover a key to the development of the peripheral nervous system, providing new hope to patients suffering from hereditary neuropathy.

The image shows the expression of human app in fly larval neurons. The caption best describes the image.

Featured Neuroscience

·May 28, 2013·3 min read

Preventing ‘Traffic Jams’ in Brain Cells

Researchers discover presenilin, a protein associated with Alzheimer's disease, controls the speed at which materials move through brain cells. Defects in presenilin could lead to neuronal blockages with amyloid plaques, commonly associated with this neurodegenerative disorder.

The image shows the three copies of chromosome 21 associated with Down syndrome.

Featured Genetics

·May 28, 2013·3 min read

Down Syndrome Neurons Grown From Stem Cells Show Signature Problems

Using induced pluripotent stem cells which were grown into brain cells, researchers were provided with a way to look at early brain development in Down syndrome.